TEMPERANCE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 2370, 11 August 1886, Page 2

TEMPERANCE.

Mr Matthew Burnett, in conncctioa with the Wairarapa Gospel Tempered) Union, leeturod in the Theatre Royal last uight, the subject of his address being, "'Battles fought and victories won during twenty-three years of Gospel temperance work. 1 Owing to the iMolemeney of the weather, there was /but a fair audienei, but those who did attend were well ropaid for their •ev.flniug's sacrifice. Mr R. S. Hawkins, 'who was votod toth» ekir,' delivered a;vety neat introductory 'speech, alluding man ospeeial manner to the great work which it was inffi* power of the weaker sex to was forced, however,, through other important engagements, to rotire before Mr Bumott commenced his .address, and Colonel McDonnell, who.was present, was invltod to fill the vacancy. -'Mr' BurnoH related his history in a very elaborate mannor, and was listened to-with rapt attention, He arrived in Victoria twenty-three yean ago, and aftor of warfare, he was forced, throucliffft voice failing him, to leave' the platform. He consulted medical men, who advised him to leave the Colonies for twelve mouths, which he accordingly did. Ho returned in u'ood health, and- resumed the work m Victoria which, ho had already inaugurated, aud after visiting every town and hamlet in that Colony, aud administering the pledge to one out of overy twolve of the entire population he turned his footsteps to South Australia. In the latter Colony he was even more suceossful than in Victoria, having, aftor a few years' labor, enrolled one. gut of every nine as total abstainers.. Thence ho proceeded to Wostern Australia, where nis efforts were crowned with abundant success, aud nearly ono-quarter. of tho popukco took tho pledge. His next Bphero of labor was Tasmania, whoro he decidod toaot as 'gleaner,' several,:other tomporanea advocate* having just- visited that Colony, Tho result of his efforts wai howovor, that 16,000 names wero ej&lod. He arrived in Now Zealand in Bftreh, 1886, and had labored in the South Island for sixteen months, winning 20,00Qporsone to the side of temperance. DJfflW the six weeks lie had spent in. the North Island, 2,150 names had been added to his list. The total, number,.who had taken the pledge during his twenty-throe years' mission was 155,000. Ho hoped to increase that number by 10,000 before leaving the North Island. He referred to the great interest he had takon in tho nativo races of tlumrious Colonies, mora especially, in the Maorios of New Zealand. Aftor remarking upon the courtesy he had receivod troin the Native Minister, Sir 6. Grey, and other prominent mon who had the Native-interests at heart, he resumed his seat, amidßt loud applauso. Votes of thanks were accorded to tie lecturer, the chairmen, and tho choir, and the meeting terminated. Mr Burnett left for Pahiatua to-day, where he intends to distribute the "bonuiebito' blue" among the bushrangers. Our Featlierstou eorrespoiMft writes: " The temperance .niovemenrus rapidly spreading in the'townships throughout the Wairarapa,. consoquent on the visits paid by Mr Matthew Burnett.- To judge from the energy just" beinq thrown into the work, one is almost apt to think tho good people of tho Wairarapa hf»c only just discovered thord was such /society as the " Gospel temperanco" in oxistoneo. Committees have been formed in Uie various townships to promote its good influence, and I doubt not that much good will be done where needed. The Foatherskon Committee will meet on Monday evening next at the Town Board office. Mr Burnett's farewell meeting at Featherston last Monday was largely attondod. Mr C. Pharasyn occupying the ehair. Mr Burnett's address on the lifo of " Irish Mao" was. attentively listened to, and at the close 53 persons donned tho blue. Mr Burnett is a thorough enthusiast in Wb work, jmd will carry with folate goodjtfishdsrof. all."